Chemical Hygiene Plan - Queensborough Community College ...

planning and building and grounds operations. The VPFA will provide support for efforts to
improve and maintain a healthy and safe laboratory working environment.
2.3. Assistant Dean for Campus Facilities and Planning (ADCFP)
The Assistant Dean for Campus Facilities and Planning has oversight for all capital projects
relating to the campus physical plant. This includes all construction within buildings in order to
meet both the College’s academic mission and strategic plan. The ADCFP provides the authority
to the Environmental Health and Safety Officer (EHSO) so that the EHSO may fully exercise his
or her duties
2.4. Environmental Health and Safety Officer/ Chemical Hygiene Officer (EHSO/CHO).
The Chemical Hygiene Officer coordinates all laboratory health and safety activities. The
Chemical Hygiene Officer reports to ADCFP, and has the authority to shut down or suspend
operations that do not conform to health and safety practices required by this Chemical Hygiene
Plan. The Chemical Hygiene Officer will exercise his authority in order to minimize the short
and long term dangers to laboratory employees, other workers, the community, and to the
environment. The major duties of the Chemical Hygiene Officer are to:
1. Evaluate, implement, and update the Chemical Hygiene Plan
2. Provide technical expertise and administrative support to the laboratory community in
the area of laboratory safety and health, and direct inquiries to appropriate resources.
3. Ensure that extremely hazardous substances are appropriately labeled, handled, and
stored and that specific standard operating procedures exist which instruct all personnel
in the safe use of these substances
4. Review specific operating procedures developed by principal investigators and
department personnel for the use, disposal, spill cleanup, and decontamination of
extremely hazardous chemicals and substances are developed and followed
5. Review new research protocols prior to their initiation to determine if hazardous
chemicals are used and, if so, to ensure proper measures are taken to protect laboratory
personnel
6. Conduct annual inspections of laboratories and storage areas with other members of
the Chemical Hygiene Committee and provide inspection forms to departmental
personnel and principal investigators to conduct their own routine inspections
7. Write inspection reports and recommend follow up activities (with input from other
members of the inspection team
8. Coordinate the operation, acquisition, and maintenance of fume hoods, emergency
safety showers, eyewashes, and fire extinguishers in all laboratories where chemicals are
handled
9. Conduct (or coordinate) department specific laboratory employee health and safety
orientation sessions along with other department personnel and assist laboratory
supervisors in developing and conducting hands on sessions with employees
10. Investigate all reports of laboratory hazards incidents, chemical spills, and near
misses to prevent repeat occurrences
11. Act as a liaison between the laboratory and the departmental administrator and, if
necessary, bring unresolved and potentially serious health and safety problems to the
administrator's attention
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